Williams played football for four years from 1972-75 and helped Missouri Southern to a 29-12-1 record, highlighted by an unbeaten (12-0) NAIA Division II National Championship campaign as a freshman in 1972. During the semifinals of the playoffs that year, he was voted by the media as the game’s outstanding back after rushing 21 times for 78 yards and one touchdown on a rain-soaked Junge Stadium Field in Joplin to help the Lions to a 24-6 win over Doane College.

At the time of his induction he still owned the school’s career record for highest average gain per carry (6.1) and ranked fifth all-time in rushing with 1,965 yards.